Catholic Health Receives State Grants to Support Physician Recruitment in Primary Care

Catholic Health’s efforts to recruit physicians in medically underserved areas of Western New York just got a shot in the arm, thanks to $750,000 in grants through the state’s “Doctors Across New York” program. Administered by the New York State Department of Health, the program helps repay medical school loans for physicians who agree to practice in rural and high need areas across the state.

“It’s a win-win for Catholic Health Primary Care Centers located in physician shortage communities, and the high quality doctors we can attract to practice in these facilities,” said Mike Reilly, Vice President of Primary Care. “More importantly, it benefits our patients by ensuring we are able to continue our mission to serve those in need.”

The grants, which include three $150,000 grants and three $100,000 grants, will be used by Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and Sisters of Charity Hospital to recruit new physicians to work in Catholic Health’s Primary Care Centers that serve patients in Springville, Eden, Cuba, Franklinville and the Lovejoy and Riverside areas of Buffalo. In exchange for the grants, the physicians agree to remain at the designated centers for a period of two to five years.

Rachael Nees, Director of Grants, and Mark Shilling, Grant Coordinator, both with Catholic Health, helped secure the funding. The program is expected to begin this summer and run for two years.

“This is a great opportunity to bolster our physician recruitment efforts and ensure we are able to attract and retain skilled doctors in our Primary Care Centers,” said Victor Ramirez, Director of Physician Recruitment for Catholic Health.